本科因为专业性不强，所以很多学校压根不区别PS和Essay，本科上在很多学校网站的Admission Requirement里面都找不到Personal Statement、Statement of Purpose这一类文章的要求，只有简单的对Essay的要求。TOP50后的学校很多也都不要求Essay。本科的PS和Essay只是在写的内容上稍微有些差异(PS偏个人情况的自述，Essay有题目有偏向，有的也没有这个区别)。不过它也是学校了解你这个人的很重要的途径，学校也想知道你除了成绩还有什么?只是在内容上和难度上，本科的PS和CA的essay区别不大。更准确的表述是，本科申请所谓Essay和PS都更像是Essay，你要表达的重点是，除了成绩你还有什么是与众不同的。

　　以UC系统本科shen为例，他们只要求了PS，简述就能看到很多东西了：Personal statement:Your personal statement should be exactly that — personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself — your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, inspirations. We encourage you to take your time on this assignment. Be open. Be reflective. Find your individual voice and express it honestly.

　　As you respond to the essay prompts, think about the admissions and scholarship officers who will read your statement and what you want them to understand about you. While your personal statement is only one of many factors we consider when making our admission decision, it helps provide context for the rest of your application.

　　另外让Freshman回应下面两个题目中的一个来作为自己的PS主题：

　　Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

　　Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

　　提示：

　　All applicants must respond to two essay prompts — the general prompt and either the freshman or transfer prompt, depending on your status.

　　Responses to your two prompts must be a maximum of 1,000 words total.

　　Allocate the word count as you wish. If you choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest your shorter answer be no less than 250 words.